Actor Lee Je-hoon recently shared a past experience of being unexpectedly dismissed from a role.
On the October 3rd episode of KBS1TV's 'Morning Yard - Tuesday Invitation,' Lee Je-hoon appeared as a guest. He expressed his excitement, saying, "It's amazing and an honor to be on 'Morning Yard,' a show I've watched since childhood. As an actor, live broadcast opportunities are rare, so this moment feels like a dream. I hope it goes slowly."
He mentioned his recent film 'Soju War,' stating, "I've dreamed of becoming an actor since watching many movies as a child. I used to wonder how happy I would be to see myself on screen. Now that it's happening, I'm incredibly grateful."
Lee Je-hoon discussed the background of his dream to become an actor. He said, "As a child, I watched a lot of movies at a video store. I thought if I became a video store owner, I could watch movies forever. Naturally, I also dreamed of becoming an actor. However, my family discouraged me, saying it wasn't something just anyone could do, and I agreed, putting my dream aside during my school years."
He continued, "Originally, I was a science student and went to an engineering college. While attending classes, I knew what I was supposed to do, but my heart wasn't in it. So, before joining the military, I decided to pursue what I wanted for a year or two. I went to Daehak-ro, worked hard at a theater company, and learned from senior actors. Eventually, I got the opportunity to play the lead in a new creative play, which made me very happy."
However, his joy was short-lived as Lee Je-hoon received a sudden dismissal notice. He revealed, "The senior actors and the staff in charge of directing told me, 'You lack the qualities and attitude to be the lead in a play,' and I was dismissed. I was so shocked I couldn't speak. Then, I was given a small role as an 80-year-old man. It was a brief role, but I didn't hesitate and said, 'I'll do my best,' which led to my first stage appearance."
In conclusion, Lee Je-hoon stated, "My biggest goal as an actor is to be remembered as a good actor even 30 or 40 years from now. I've never had the opportunity to appear in a KBS drama. If the KBS president is watching, I really want to be cast. If I get to shoot a KBS drama, I'll appear on 'Morning Yard' again."
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr